Are you a betting man?

There are some seriously interesting games this weekend in the NHL that not only have the type of intrigue to make for an intensely great game, but also as a spot to score a buck or two.  Consider the following:

Saturday, November 14

Anaheim @ Detroit, 7 pm (all times eastern) – Everyone can remember the countless games these two Western Conference “rivals” have played against each other the past few seasons.  Keep an eye on this game though.  The Wings are always  one of the best home-ice teams in hockey year in and year out, with this season being no different.  They are 5-1-1 at Joe Louis Arena and usually buckle down the defense when a high scoring team arrives.  The Ducks haven’t really proven they can win on the road yet this season and traveling across that much of the country is bothersome to say the least.  Detroit 4, Anaheim 2.

Washington @ New Jersey, 7 pm – Many thought that without Alexander Ovechkin in the lineup, the Caps would struggle to score as much as their followers are used to.  However, the loss of #8, along with Mike Green’s absence, hasn’t stopped Washington from maintaining its goal scoring frenzy.  They still lead the league in goals scored whereas the Devils are tied for first in goals allowed (with the Sabres).  In most games, a good defense beats a good offense, and I tend to agree.    New Jersey 3, Washington 2.

Vancouver @ Colorado, 10 pm – It’s looking more and more like these two teams are becoming the cream of the crop in the Northwest Division.  In their previous two meetings this season, the Avs and Canucks each have a 3-0 over one another.  Both of these wins came on the respective teams home ice.  Vancouver will be getting this test on their way home from an east-coast road trip, so they will undoubtedly want to snag a win to gain some momentum.  Look for Craig Anderson to come up with some big saves and help the Avs gain another two points.  Colorado 3, Vancouver 1.

Sunday, November 15

San Jose @ Chicago, 7 pm – Every fantasy manager knows that the San Jose Sharks are a gold mine when it comes to accruing stats.  For no other reason, I like the Sharks in this game.  I will point out that Chicago has only allowed 38 goals in 15 games and when San Jose scores 2 goals or less, they are 1-5-0.  San Jose 4, Chicago 2.

November 13, 2009